Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

1Icunutufe EXphOA1On Oh n B0mO, " b1cn
Was Probably Meant 10 Kill the Diva.
SAN FRANCISCO Feb. lO.-A dramatic and sensa-
tional episode occurred at the Grand opera house
last night. Adelina Patti was giving her last con-
cert OF the season, which was announced also as
her last appearance I'm this city. AT 1920 after
Patti had twice appeared in front OF the curtain,
In response TO recalls at the conclusion OF an aria
from la Traviata," and just as she had retired
again to the wings,
TREMENDOUS EXPLOSION
was clearly heard above the vociferous applause,
and cloud OF smoke was seen to rise over the
railing OF the top gallery. Instantly every lorg-
nette In the house was focused on the portion OF
the mouse where the exciting scene was tranSptr-
Ing and panic was imminent People In the gal
lery were rushing about seeking the quickest
means OF exit, and it was only through the SELF
possession OF the newspaper men present In the
boxes, coupled with that OF the diva, that stam-
pede OF the audience was prevented Newspaper
men were In the stage box and quickly perceived
that no serious result had occurred and that the
danger was over. They communicated by mods
and motions with Mime. Patti, who was still in the
hended the situation and came forward quickly,
and giving the cue TO Ardiu,
BEGAN SINGING ''HoME SWEET HOME"
This had a calming effect on the audience, and
though many left to ascertain the cause and effect
OF the unexpected interruption TO the performance
the concert was carried on to its conclusion. As
soon as the location OF the trouble could be learned
policeman rushed TO the scene and found man
with badly burned face and hands moaning with
agony, and the remains OF an Internal machine
about him. He was placed under arrest and con-
veyed to Irving hospital, where he stated that
when he stopped TO pick up his hat and cane he
up and that as he raised it TO see what it was 1t
exploded. Though he was badly burned about
the face and hands it is believed he received no
serious INJURIES and other person is believed TO
have been hurt. He gave his name as Dr. James
Hodges, aged Seyenty-One years, a dyspepsia
specialist, and his residence at No. Central Place
Others, however, give different but an undoubt-
eQly correct version OF the affair.
WAS THE BOMB INTENDED FOR PATTI!
A lady who sat next to him, and who narrowly
escaped injury, says that during the evening he
pointed clearly to the purpose he afterward at
tempted to carry out. Among the observations
which the lady distinctly remembered was: "Patu
Is singing eXcellently tonight, but she will never
sing any more" He was also heard to make un-
complimentary and revengeful allGsions to j. c.
Flood and his family, who were present in q box.
At the Irving hospital after his wounds had been
him commit himself, but the effort was complete
failure. He stOutly maintained his Innocence.
The chief OF police pr0n0unces him a crank. The
bomb was made OF q can filled with powder, In
the center OF which was q bottle. The can was
wrapped in pieces OF cloth soaked in 1nflammable
Oil, and 1t is believed that the Intention not
only to kill Patti and those near the stage, but
also TO set fire TO the building. The bomb was
arranged to explode by number OF friction
matches, which were connected with fuse inserted
In the powder The theory is that the fuse burned
too quickly for the crank and the explosion was
premature. Though Patti performed her part In
the remainder Of the program it was noticeable
that the occurrence had considerable effect upon
her and somewhat subdued her usual v1yactty.